Golf Glove

ABSTRACT

Golf gloves having one or more raised element(s) on an interior surface thereof are disclosed. The raised element(s) are located such that they cause pressure to be applied to acupuncture points when the glove is in use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf gloves which contain markings of meridian pathways and acupuncture points. The markings may be raised such that pressure is applied to acupuncture points when the glove is in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to imprint apparel with markings of meridian pathways and acupuncture points. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,236 to Ward (“Ward”) discloses apparel that has markings of at least portions of meridian pathways and acupuncture or acupressure regions that generally correspond to where they are on the human body when the apparel is worn. The apparel disclosed in Ward is said to facilitate instructing, practicing or performing a skill or exercise that relies upon knowing where the meridian pathways and acupuncture or acupressure regions are on the body without the need to refer to pictorial diagrams of the human body that have the pathways and/or points identified. The skills and exercises identified in Ward include acupressure massage, shiatsu massage, martial arts, dance, and acupuncture medicine. The apparel disclosed in Ward may be a body suit, head coverings, hand coverings and/or foot coverings, and hand coverings may be gloves or mittens, preferably fingerless or half-fingered or wrist warmers.

There remains a need for apparel having raised areas such that pressure is applied to acupuncture points when the apparel is in use. The present invention provides such apparel and the use thereof as a golf glove. Golf gloves of the present invention may provide one or more of the following benefits: stress relief, improved concentration, relaxation assistance, and increased endurance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, the palm side having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the interior surface of the palm side comprising a first raised element. The first raised element is preferably in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, the back side having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the interior surface of the back side comprising a first raised element. The first raised element is preferably in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a back side having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the palm side comprises a first raised element in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn. The interior surface of the back side comprises a second raised element in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point when the glove is worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the interior surface of the palm side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior surface of the palm side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the interior surface of the back side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the interior surface of the back side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Meridians are the pathways of chi (i.e., “life energy”) and blood flow through the body. It is believed that massaging or applying pressure to particular points along the pathways (i.e., acupuncture points) stimulates the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to corresponding organs/body systems. This stimulation is believed to clear energy blockage and congestion along the nerve and meridian pathways, thereby reducing accumulated stress and encouraging pain release. Therapies in which acupuncture points are manipulated (e.g., acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, reflexology) are based on these concepts.

By the present invention, it has been found that curative properties can be engaged during golf play by utilizing gloves marked with meridian pathways and/or acupuncture points. In one embodiment, the glove contains raised elements such that pressure is applied to acupuncture points, thereby engaging curative properties, when the golfer grips a golf club. In another embodiment, the glove contains one or more markings of acupuncture points illustrating where the golfer is to apply pressure to engage the curative properties. Thus, the markings on the glove correspond to where they are on the human body when the glove is worn. The location of meridian pathways and acupuncture points on the human body are well known.

Using gloves of the present invention preferably reduces stress, improves concentration, promotes relaxation, and/or increases endurance.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 describe a portion of a golf glove of the type often worn by golfers to ensure a firm grip on a club handle. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the interior surface of the palm side of a golf glove 1 according to the present invention. Like conventional gloves, the glove 1 includes fingers 2, a body 3, and a thumb portion 5. The thumb portion 5 can be part of the same piece of material used for the body 3. Alternatively, the thumb portion 5 can be a separate piece of material attached to the glove 1 by conventional means known by those of ordinary skill in the art. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the interior surface of the back side of a golf glove 13. Like conventional gloves, the glove 13 includes fingers 14, a body 15, and a thumb portion 17. The thumb portion 17 can be part of the same piece of material used for the body 15. Alternatively, the thumb portion 17 can be a separate piece of material attached to the glove 13 by conventional means known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The back side optionally contains a slit 18 for laterally opening a lower portion of the glove body 15 when a hand is inserted into the glove 13.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the palm side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm side comprises a raised element. The raised element is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the palm side of the hand when the glove is worn. While the present invention is not limited by the raised element being in contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment wherein a raised element 7 is located on the interior surface of the palm side of the glove 1 such that it is in approximate contact with the acupuncture point referred to as Láogōng when the glove is worn. Láogōng is located on the palm of the hand between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones which the tip of the middle finger touches when the fist is clenched.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the palm side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm side comprises at least two raised elements. Each of the at least two raised elements is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the palm side of the hand when the glove is worn. While the present invention is not limited by a particular number of raised elements or by each raised element being in contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment wherein raised elements 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are located on the interior surface of the palm side of the glove 1 such that the raised elements are in approximate contact with the acupuncture points referred to as K{hacek over (o)}uchuāngxué, Láogōng, Yátongxué, Xìnjìxue, Duóhànxue, Wèichángxúe, and K{hacek over (o)}uchu{hacek over (a)}ngxué, respectively, when the glove is worn. K{hacek over (o)}uchuāngxué is located on the palm of the hand at the middle of the transverse crease of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the middle finger. As stated above, Láogōng is located on the palm of the hand between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones which the tip of the middle finger touches when the fist is clenched. Yátongxué is located on the palm of the hand about 1 tsun behind the transverse crease of the finger and palm, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones. Xìnjìxue is located on the radial side of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the small finger, lying on the palm surface of the hand. Duóhànxue is located at the center of the palm of the hand. Wèichángxúe is located on the palm of the hand on the midpoint of the line connecting Láogōng and Dàlíng. Dàlíng, not shown in FIG. 2, is located on the palm of the hand on the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between the two tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carporadial. K{hacek over (o)}uchu{hacek over (a)}ngxué is located on the palm of the hand on the ulnar side of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the index finger.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the back side comprises a raised element. The raised element is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the back side of the hand when the glove is worn. While the present invention is not limited by the raised element being in contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment wherein a raised element 19 is located on the interior surface of the back side of the glove 13 such that it is in approximate contact with the acupuncture point referred to as Zuòg{hacek over (u)}shénjingxué when the glove is worn. Zuòg{hacek over (u)}shénjingxué is located at the dorsum of the hand between the 4th and 5th metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to the 4th metacarpo-phalangeal joint.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the back side comprises at least two raised elements. Each of the at least two raised elements is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the back side of the hand when the glove is worn. While the present invention is not limited by a particular number of raised elements or by each raised element being in contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment wherein raised elements 19, 27, 29, 30, 33, and 34 are located on the interior surface of the back side of the glove 13 such that the raised elements are in approximate contact with the acupuncture points referred to as Zuòg{hacek over (u)}shénjingxué, J{hacek over (i)}ngxiàngxué, Yànhòuxué, Fùxièxué, Yāotu{hacek over (i)}xué, and Bítòngxué, respectively, when the glove is worn. As stated above, Zuòg{hacek over (u)}shénjingxué is located at the dorsum of the hand between the 4th and 5th metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to the 4th metacarpo-phalangeal joint. J{hacek over (i)}ngxiàngxué is located at the dorsum of the hand between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to the 2nd metacarpo-phalangeal joint. Yànhòuxué is located at the dorsum of the hand between the 3rd and 4th metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to the 3rd metacarpo-phalangeal joint. Fùxièxué is located at the dorsum of the hand between the 3rd and 4th metacarpo-phalangeal joints, 1 tsun posterior to the joints. Yāotu{hacek over (i)}xué is located at the dorsum of the hand 1.5 tsun in front of the transverse crease of the wrist, one on the radial side of the tendon of the extensor muscle of the 2nd finger, and another on the ulnar side of the tendon of the extensor muscle of the 4th finger. Bítòngxué is located at the dorsum of the hand between the base of the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein each of the palm side and back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm side comprises at least one palm side raised element, and wherein the interior surface of the back side comprises at least one back side raised element. Each of the one or more raised elements of the palm side is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the palm side of the hand when the glove is worn. Each of the one or more raised elements of the back side is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact with any one or the multiple acupuncture points on the back side of the hand when the glove is worn.

“Golf glove” is defined herein as a glove specifically marketed for use during golf play, and not to a glove marketed for non-golf purposes that may occasionally be worn while playing golf.

“Approximate contact” with an acupuncture point is defined herein as direct contact with an acupuncture point or within 0.250 inches thereof.

“Raised element” is defined herein as an area which extends outward from the interior surface of a glove. At the widest part of the raised element, the raised element is generally 0.30 inches or less, or 0.25 inches or less, or 0.19 inches or less, and generally extends 0.25 inches or less, or 0.19 inches or less, or 0.125 inches outward from the interior surface of the glove at the highest point of the raised element. The present invention is not limited by a particular material for forming the raised elements. Suitable compositions for forming the raised elements include those which are firm enough to apply pressure to acupuncture points when the glove is in use, and soft enough such that discomfort does not result. Examples of such compositions include, but are not limited to, felt, natural and synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates, and cork. Also suitable for forming raised elements are crystals and stones, and especially crystals and stones that are known to have healing properties, such as abalone, agate, blue lace, botswana, fire, moss, albite, alexandrite, amazonite, amber, amethyst, ammonite, angelite, apache tears, apatite, apophyllite, aqua aura, aquamarine, aragonite, aventurine, azurite, barite/barium, beryl stone, bloodstone, boji stone, brass, calcite, lime green, calcite, carnelian, cat's eye, celestite, cerussite, chalcedony, charoite, chrysoberyl, chiastolite, chinese writing stone, chrysocolla, chrysoprase, citrine, cobalt, copper, coral, corundum, creedite, cuprite, danburite, desert rose, diamond, diopside/enstatite, dioptase, dolomite, eilat stone, elestial, emerald, epidote, fairies' cross, flint, fluorite, fuchsite, garnet, gem silica, geodes, gold, goldstone, granite, hawk's eye/falcon's eye, hematite, herkimer diamonds, hiddenite, howlite, iolite, ivory, jade, jasper, jet, kundalini quartz, kunzite, kyanite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, larimar, lepidolite, lodestone, malachite, marascite, marble, meteorite, microline, mochi balls, moldavite, moonstone, morganite/pink beryl, mother of pearl, muscovite, nephrite, obsidian, onyx, opal, pearl, pecos diamond, peridot, petalite, petrified wood, phenacite, platinum, prehnite, pyrite, quartz, rose quartz, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, rhyolite, rubellite/red tourmaline, ruby, rutilated/rutile quartz, sapphire, star sapphire, sard, sardonyx, selenite, serpentine, shiva lingham, silica, silver, smithsonite, smoky quartz, sodalite, spectrolite, spinel, star ruby, staurolite, stichtite, stilbite, sugilite, sulphur, sunstone, tanzanite, tektite, tiger's eye, topaz, tourmaline, tourmalinated quartz, turquoise, ulexite, unakite, variscite, worry/stress stone, wulfenite, zebra stone, zircon, and zoisite. In embodiments of the present invention wherein the glove comprises more than one raised element, any one of the raised elements may be formed from the same composition as or a different composition than any other of the raised elements. Also, in embodiments of the present invention wherein the glove comprises more than one raised element, any one of the raised elements may be of a size that is the same as or different than the size of any other of the raised elements.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the illustrations, descriptions, and examples set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all of the features of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. 

1. A golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the palm side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm side comprises a first raised element.
 2. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the first raised element is in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 3. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the palm side further comprises a second raised element.
 4. The golf glove of claim 2, wherein the interior surface of the palm side further comprises a second raised element.
 5. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the second raised element is in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 6. The golf glove of claim 5, wherein the interior surface of the palm side further comprises a third raised element, and wherein the third raised element is in approximate contact with a third acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 7. A golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the back side comprises a first raised element.
 8. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the first raised element is in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 9. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the interior surface of the back side further comprises a second raised element.
 10. The golf glove of claim 8, wherein the interior surface of the back side further comprises a second raised element.
 11. The golf glove of claim 10, wherein the second raised element is in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point.
 12. The golf glove of claim 11, wherein the interior surface of the back side further comprises a third raised element, and wherein the third raised element is in approximate contact with a third acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 13. A golf glove comprising: a palm side having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm side comprises a first raised element in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn, and a back side having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the back side comprises a second raised element in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 14. The golf glove of claim 13, wherein the interior surface of the palm side further comprises a third raised element in approximate contact with a third acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 15. The golf glove of claim 13, wherein the interior surface of the back side further comprises a third raised element in approximate contact with a third acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
 16. The golf glove of claim 14, wherein the interior surface of the back side further comprises a fourth raised element in approximate contact with a fourth acupuncture point when the glove is worn. 